Methods

Our analysis included 106 patients, with localized prostate cancer and no erectile dysfunction (ED) before RARP, assessed with preoperative 3 Tesla (3 T) multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). FP score was defined as the extent of FP from the base to the apex of the prostate, quantitatively assessed by the surgeon. Median fascia thickness (MFT) per patient was defined as the sum of the median FT of 12 MRI regions. Preserved MFT (pMFT) was the sum of the saved MFT. The percentage of pFMT (ppMFT) was also calculated. Fascia surface (FS) was measured on MRI and it was combined with FP score resulting in preserved FS (pFS) and percentage of pFS (ppFS).

Conclusions

MRI-determined periprostatic FT combined with intraoperative FP score are correlated to postprostatectomy EF. Based on the hypothesis that a thicker fascia forms a protective layer for the nerves, we recommend assessing FT preoperatively to counsel men for the odds of preserving EF after RARP.

Supplementary material 5 Fig. 5. The predictive value of the five factors which were significantly related to postoperative ED varied dependent on the cut-off chosen. The highest AUC values were reached with a cut-off IIEF score ≤ 12 or ≤ 13. AUC, area under the curve; ED, erectile dysfunction; IIEF, International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (TIFF 1309 kb)

Walz J, Burnett AL, Costello AJ et al (2010) A critical analysis of the current knowledge of surgical anatomy related to optimization of cancer control and preservation of continence and erection in candidates for radical prostatectomy. Eur Urol 57:179–192
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